Cancer aside, Jackson is still doing great. He's eating pretty well. He's drinking well. And he's laughing a lot and having a pretty good week. This is probably the best he's been since before he got sick in April.
He does throw some serious fits trying to get him into his car seat, though. He screams like crazy and arches his back to fight off being strapped in. It's like trying to subdue a madman. You have to physically force him in to the seat and connect all the straps and latches against his will. It's exacerbated by the fact that he'll grab on to, and sometimes even pull on, his "tubies," which are attached to some very large veins in his chest and neck. This causes extra stress during the struggle, as you can imagine. So Keri and I have to coerce, cajole, and force him into his seat, all the while trying to make sure he doesn't pull out his tubes--which would be dangerous in itself and would cause another surgery at the least. With all the screaming, I am actually amazed that no bystanders have called the police. I would if I were them...and Judge Sawtelle would throw the book at me, I'm sure. And then a few minutes later, after he's strapped in and we're on our way, he's completely back to normal as if it never happened. Maybe that's how lots of 3 year olds can be, I don't know, he's our first 3 year old.
The good news about radiation vs. chemotherapy is that the short-term side-effects seem so minimal. Instead of vomiting, he's eating. Instead of being hooked up to IV fluids, he's drinking juice boxes. Instead of lying on the couch all day until it's time to go to bed, he's full of energy and generally having a good time. Instead of spending most of his nights in the hospital, so far at least--he's been spending them at home. They tell us the radiation will start to cause some fatigue as the daily doses compound on one another, but not usually this early, so we're enjoying this time. They also say radiation can cause hair loss and a drop in blood counts. But he already looks good bald, and the blood count drop shouldn't be as bad as with the chemo.
There are dark clouds over all of this, though. One, there's no guarantee that the radiation will work. Second, the long-term side-effects, especially cognitive side-effects, of this treatment may be significant as his radiation doses are not small. But when you are fighting such an aggressive cancer in such a small person, just being in a position to have a long-term side-effect can be a victory in itself.
Thank you for keeping Jackson on your mind and for supporting us along the way.
Hey Everyone!!
It’s good to hear that Jack is eating, drinking, and having fun..
To shed some light on 3 year olds,
I remember Melinda throwing some
pretty good fits when she was 3 too,arched back and all, so I wouldn’t worry too much, this too shall pass. Just take one day at a time. Our prayers and thoughts are with you daily. All our love too.
Awww....hey there big guy! Well, It sure it awesome to see you are doing so well, and we know that you are going to continue to do great! We love you, and miss you! By the way, you look fabulous bald...we shave ty’s head all the time (and with the carseat ordeal...yeah, we go through that pretty often with ty). But we are loving you so much, and can’t wait to see you soon!
We’re so glad to hear you’re feeling a bit better, Jack, and think of you all daily. Hugs and kisses to all of you.
Kristin
That eating on the chair picture is the cutest!!!!!! are they left handed? can’t wait to see you all over t day weekend.
thanks for continuing to give the energy for updates-look forward to them a lot. wish both of you and your children the best thanksgiving ever-enjoy!!
WAY TO GO TEAM JACKSON!!!! WAY TO GO JACK!!!! Well, you guys made it this far...just another obstacle to overcome and then you’ll go from there. That’s great that Jack is really starting to act like a 3 year old. That’s why it’s called “The Troublesome Threes”. Maggie went through a stage where she threw fits and then some...you’ll get past it and move right on the the “Fearsome Fours” like we did.....although at 4 1/2, Maggie has grown. She is constantly finding Cars stuff for Jack. She misses him and says she loves him and hopes he feels better.....Abby on the other hand, just wants to share the Texas toast. You guys hang in there and take care....Lots of love and hugs and kisses!!!!
I can confirm that the car seat struggles are a phase as Quinn would do the exact same thing. She seems to have grown out of it only just recently but your post reminds me of how emotional an episode getting her into a car seat was for several months.
I can only hope that I will look as good as Jack when I’m that bald.
Thanks for all the postings keeping us up to date!
Jackson
Im so happy to see that you are having a good week. Belinda and i Talk about you all the time. We miss you guys. Keep up the good work. Your in our prayers.
Hi Milkman, tell your parents that Im sure my sister gave my parents fits when she was 3 so it’s just a phase.
Im thrilled you are having a great week. And I hope you don’t lose your appetite before turkey day.
Love you and am so proud that you are strong as you are.
Give the Wy-man a big hug from Auntie Poe Poe too.
xo xo xo
It is so good to hear that little Jack is back!!! I am very happy that you are able to find the energy to play and especially the hunger to want to eat!!! This is fantastic news Jack! Hopefully you will find something yummy on your table for Thanksgiving.
With this news there is definitely something to be thankful for!! Keep up the good fight. We of course wish you lots of well wishes and send a super big hello to Wyatt!!
Lots of prayers your way,
Patricia, Juan, Tommy & Nicky
Good to hear that you’re having a good week and that Jackson is getting his appetite back. Hope he eats lots of yummy food on Thanksgiving!
We think about you guys all the time and Parker was just telling us this weekend how his friend Jackson likes the Cars movie.
Next year at Thanksgiving time, I fully expect to be giving thanks for a healthy Young Jack. Until then, fight on Team Jackson!!
This comment is for Kelly and Keri, First Kelly I can’t say enough about posts on Jackson, you are amazing and so wonderful for sharing in such a special way, even though I spend time with JJ I never really know whats happening and with the posts I get it....thanks Kelly for being such a special Dad and for you my special daughter, I am so proud of you both...what special parents u are!!
Happy Birthday........KERI
Love to all
We’re so glad to hear that this round seems to be going so much better for Jack! What wonderful news to hear that he’s feeling a little like his old self. We heard Grandma had a great birthday with everyone, and hope Keri did too!
Not only did Brendan have his share of 3 year old “opinions,” but we’ve seen them sneak into the 4’s too. If I kept getting hauled off to the hospital, I think I’d act like Jack, too. I think it’s great that he has the energy to speak his mind!!
We hope this radiation does its trick and we get to have lots of time together when we move your way in Feb. We think about you every day and love you so much!
PS Ryan is desperately trying to stand on his own so he and Wyatt can run around together. I’m pretty sure he’ll be toddling around after Wywy by the summer at the latest!
I almost forgot to tell you--Brendan is fascinated with “being bold.” He keeps saying how “the older you are, the bolder you are,” and he put a hat on his head the other day to see how he would look “bold, like Papa!” (Sorry, Papa!) He checks Uncle Greg’s head every week to see if his Daddy is going bold yet. (Poor Greg holds his breath in worry until the verdict is in.) I think he would love to “go bold” with you if you need a partner, Jack!